Today's three: 2 road races and 1 trail run

Welcome to 2023 - it's gonna be a good year for races in Japan! 
Whether you hit the pavement, traverse the trails, or pursue multiple sports, we're in the known - and you're in the right place. 

Event organizers are busy announcing registration dates and race days - here are three that pique our curiosity right now:

• Sweets Marathon (Yamanashi)
• Miura Peninsula Trail Run (Kanagawa)
• Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki)

Sweets Marathon (Yamanashi)

• Feb 5 - register by Jan 15
• An event sponsored by popular Japanese maker of delicious desserts, Chateraise, this may be the only race you walk away from in a calorie surplus. Entitlements include take-home desserts and coupons to Chateraise.
• Not actually a marathon - participants must choose between running 45 minutes or 80 minutes.
• Approximately 2/3 or about 64% of participants are women.  

Miura Peninsula Trail Run (Kanagawa)

• Mar 25 - register by Mar 5 
• Grassroots event operated by a local non-profit organization, Outdoor & Nature Experiences Promotion Institute.  Requires minimum of 200 registrants (max 500) by  Mar 5; if the minimum is not reached, registrants receive full refunds. 
• Choose between 14.5k (9mi) or 38.5k (24mi); approx. 75% of courses are trail.

Kasumigaura Marathon (Ibaraki)

• Apr 16 - register by Jan 18
• Officially titled the Kasumigaura Marathon & International Blind Marathon, ​​​this race is a World Para Athletics Approved Event. Many athletes with vision impairment or low vision will be participating with or without guides. 
• Choose from 5k, 10 miler, or full marathon. One of the rare races offering the 10 mile (16km) category. Course is relatively flat, running through Tsuchiura and alongside Lake Kasumigaura.